Jan Parker

PhD Architectural Studies

Jan Parker found the online format of the doctoral program in architectural studies easy to understand and navigate. The doctorate helped her gain an appointment as dean of academic studies at the Art Institute of Dallas.

Kandace Fisher-McLean

PhD Architectural Studies '15

Having the time to get professional experience while pursuing her PhD was important to Kandace Fisher-McLean. That's why she turned to Mizzou’s online Architectural Studies program. She fit school into her busy schedule and enjoyed the camaraderie she developed among her online classmates.

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Courses

Delivery of this program is 100 percent online: no campus visits are required. However, we strongly encourage you to attend at least three optional summer workshops on campus (last week of June, Sunday through Friday), where you may present your research line of inquiry and obtain feedback.

Successful completion requires a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree, 15 of which must be at the 8000 to 9000 level. You may apply no more than 30 credit hours from the master’s level toward your PhD.

You also may add a concentration in design research to your course work if you require applied research skills to produce evidence-based design decisions or want to utilize design thinking for creative problem-solving. The design research concentration will not appear on your transcript or diploma, however.

The chart below shows when the courses are traditionally offered. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed.

2 We strongly encourage you to attend at least three summer workshops, held the last week of June on campus.

Post-baccalaureate enrollment

Prior to acceptance into the program, you may enroll as a post-baccalaureate (formerly nondegree-seeking) student in up to 12 credit hours. Enrollment does not guarantee acceptance. Learn more about nondegree-seeking university student admissions.

Culmination

This program culminates in a comprehensive examination and a written dissertation embodying the results of your original and significant investigation. You must complete the comprehensive at least seven months before your final defense of your dissertation.

Accreditation

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

State authorization

States require that the University of Missouri be authorized to deliver university-level distance/online education to their residents. Each state handles this process differently.

How to apply

Fulfill the admission requirements:

Completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate education.

If English is not your native language, please submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 6.5, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 59 or a Cambridge C1 Advanced score of at least 180.

GRE scores are not required.

Mark your calendar

Application dates

Apply by Jan. 15 for enrollment in the following fall semester

Gather your papers

Applying will be easier and faster if you gather these required documents beforehand:

Transcripts of all previous college or university education. Upload unofficial transcripts in your online application. If you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.

Three letters of recommendation. In the online application, you will need to supply names and contact details of three people (excluding MU Architectural Studies faculty) who can attest to your professional competence, academic preparation and potential for graduate work. The Graduate School will contact your references with instructions regarding the letters.